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PK-88 OPERATING MANUAL
4.4
Your First Packet Communication Session
There are more features you should be familiar with for comfortable packet
operation - but you probably want to begin using the PK-88.
If possible, get help from an experienced packet operator to get you started.
Be sure that the distant station is close enough to ensure good noise-free
reception for your first 'on-the-air' communication.
4.4.1
System Cable and Switch Check
Before actually trying your first connection, take one more minute to verify
your system setup:
1.
Verify that the cable from the J2 connector is correctly wired to
your radio's microphone jack.
2.
Connect your radio to the PK-88 using the J2 jack.
3.
Be sure you have adjusted the PK-88 and your radio using the
installation procedure described earlier in this manual.
4.4.2
Starting the Communication
You are ready to try a connection. We will use WX1AAA in place of your call
sign, and WX1BBB for the distant station's call sign. You can type upper case
or lower case - the PK-88 doesn't care.
Type '<CTRL-C>' to verify that you are in Command Mode. Type 'CONNECT WX1BBB'
after the cmd: prompt. After a moment you should see:
cmd:connect WX1BBB
*** CONNECTED to WX1BBB
You have begun your first packet communication. The PK-88 and the packet
controller at the distant station are automatically switched to Converse Mode.
The other station sees:
*** CONNECTED to WX1AAA
Exchange several messages to get the feel of packet radio. Watch your radio's
transmit indicators and, if possible, listen to the audio from both radios; you
will get a better idea of what is happening. Your radio is inactive most of the
time, even while you are typing.
When you reach the end of a line and type <CR>, your radio is keyed briefly.
The distant station hears 'brrrraaaap' on his speaker. As your message is
displayed on his computer, his radio will be keyed for an even shorter burst;
you will hear 'brraap' on your speaker. This is the ACK, the packet
acknowledgment coming back.
The PK-88 notes that the packet was received correctly, but does not display
anything on your screen. This is normal operation. If your system still had any
unacknowledged packets outstanding, the PK-88's STA (Status) LED would be lit -
but it is not. (Unless you have set MCON to a value higher than '4,' your
terminal will not display ACK frames.)
4-5
PACKET OPERATION
PK88-57
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